CFTC Turns to DeFi Expert to Shape Global Crypto Rules

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed Avery Ching, co-founder and CEO of Aptos Labs, to its Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee. This move underscores the CFTC’s ongoing efforts to refine digital asset regulations and align with industry expertise as the sector evolves^[1]. Ching joins a panel of industry and traditional finance leaders, including Scott Lucas of JPMorgan Chase and Sandy Kaul of Franklin Templeton, to advise on market structures, taxonomies, and regulatory frameworks for digital assets^[2].

The Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee, established in February 2023 under Acting Chairwoman Caroline Pham, aims to address the complexities of digital asset oversight. Its recent work includes standardizing terminology for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, and other crypto assets to enhance regulatory clarity^[3]. Ching’s appointment follows a broader push by the CFTC to engage stakeholders in shaping policies that balance innovation with market integrity. The subcommittee’s recommendations are expected to influence international standards and regulatory coordination, particularly as agencies like the SEC launch parallel initiatives such as its Crypto Task Force^[4].

Aptos Labs, a Layer 1 blockchain developer, has positioned itself as a bridge between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional financial systems. The company’s institutional partnerships with Microsoft, SK Telecom, and Brevan Howard highlight its focus on scalable, secure blockchain solutions. Aptos’ native token, APT, trades at $4.79 with a $3.1 billion market capitalization, reflecting growing institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure^[5]. Ching’s regulatory role could further bolster investor confidence in the project, as Aptos Ascend—a customizable platform for financial institutions—demonstrates the network’s capacity to meet compliance demands^[6].

The CFTC’s expanded oversight of cryptocurrencies aligns with a broader regulatory shift in 2025. Federal agencies are refining frameworks to address token classifications, enforcement actions, and cross-border coordination. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Bank for International Settlements (BIS) are also facilitating global dialogue, ensuring U.S. policies remain influential as institutional investment grows^[7]. For Aptos, the appointment signals a strategic advantage in navigating regulatory landscapes, particularly as tokenized collateral and asset tokenization gain traction.

Ching’s background in large-scale infrastructure, including his prior work on Meta’s Diem blockchain project, positions him as a key voice in debates over digital asset governance. The CFTC’s advisory structure fosters collaboration between regulators and market participants, a model that could accelerate clarity for institutions seeking to integrate crypto into trading, custody, and payment systems^[8]. As the subcommittee progresses, its work on tokenized collateral and market taxonomy may redefine how digital assets are classified and utilized, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics of the sector.